C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Hedman Headers - Are These Bad?

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Old Oct 28, 2003 | 08:09 PM
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Default Hedman Headers - Are These Bad?

I've seen threads where people aren't happy with Hedman headers. They're inexpensive, but whats really wrong with them? While I've been thinking about either TPiS or Hooker's, I was talking to a local guy who's raced many vettes for many years, he likes Hedman and felt there's nothing wrong with them. So of course this adds to general confusion.

Can anyone clear up the notion - is Hedman a good choice, or a bad choice? I'm of course talking long term, and as a daily driver.

:D
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Old Oct 28, 2003 | 09:17 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (bradvette)

Don't know about Hedman, but stay away from Pace Setters!
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Old Oct 28, 2003 | 10:20 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (bradvette)

Of course not. Hedmans use to really cool like 10 years or more ago.
Should still be OK, today?

Go for it.
tony


[Modified by oldace84, 7:22 PM 10/28/2003]


[Modified by oldace84, 7:22 PM 10/28/2003]
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Old Oct 29, 2003 | 09:06 AM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (bradvette)

pisspoor quality
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Old Oct 29, 2003 | 11:10 AM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (vader86)

i hear that the biggest problem is leaks. they are not very strong so they can warp or bend when you bolt them on (if they weren't already). in this case you get what you pay for.
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Old Oct 29, 2003 | 11:17 AM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (86_RedRider)

Headmans are good but i would get them jet coated before installing them..i had mine on without jetcoating or powder coating and my engine was so hot you could cook eggs on it.

So what i did was i got them powder coated and wrapped them and they seem to be working good but i would say jetcoating would be better.

all in all i am happy with them i have banged and scraped and smashed my longtube headers and they are still hanging in there!
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Old Oct 29, 2003 | 09:56 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (krivera)

I just put a set on mine as well....and I am happy with them and did not have to spend a fortune getting them....Mine went on just fine and bolted right up....and have no leaks....
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Old Oct 29, 2003 | 10:34 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (apollo30346)

Flanges are thinner which makes them more susceptible to leaking. Some don't, but more do than if you got a better quality header.
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Old Oct 31, 2003 | 02:50 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (bradvette)

Can't comment about Hedman's on Vette's, but used them on 2 cars in the past. They were a good value for the money... BUT... I recently installed a stainless set from Lingenfelter ( 1 5/8 ) that I also had JetHot coated. I'm very happy w/them. Header cost: $750 +. JetHot cost: $280 (appx). Not cheap, but if your car's a keeper ( I intend to keep mine for another 5+ years minimum, then you'll only get what you pay for... if you're lucky.

Good luck. :auto:
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Old Oct 31, 2003 | 08:36 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (theguardian)

We installed Hedmans on my son's Camaro. Had to re-drill two of the flange mounting holes and adjust (using a hammer) one tube to clear the frame.

The flange holes were off by about 1/8" and would not bolt up with out drilling them out.

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Old Oct 31, 2003 | 09:30 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (apollo30346)

I just put a set on mine as well....and I am happy with them and did not have to spend a fortune getting them....Mine went on just fine and bolted right up....and have no leaks....
:iagree:
I know of at least 4 other people running them on l98s, without any problems. Some have been running them for 2 or more years.

I had mine ceramic coated before the install.
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Old Oct 31, 2003 | 10:36 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (cdnguyred88)

I know of at least 4 other people running them on l98s, without any problems. Some have been running them for 2 or more years.

I had mine ceramic coated before the install.

Add two more to that. We are running a set on an 84 and an 89. No problems here. The 84 has had them for a couple of years and the 89 for about 6 months.

Dan
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Old Oct 31, 2003 | 10:56 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (bradvette)

I DECIDED TO TRY THE HEDMAN HEADERS A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, & NOW HAVE THEM ON MY 89. BOTTOM LINE I WISH THAT I HAD WENT AHEAD AND SPENT THE MONEY FOR TOP OF THE LINE THE FIRST TIME. LOTS OF LEAKS & POOR QUALITY. I ALMOST TO THE POINT OF THROWING THEM IN THE LOCAL DUMPSTER & ORDERING HOOKER HEADERS. CANT STAND THE ANNOYING SOUND OF A SMALL EXHAUST LEAK. [IMG][/IMG] :banghead:
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 01:00 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (bradvette)

I have hedman's on my '86 convertable and they are great. I had them cermatic coated inside and out before they were installed and no problems. No leaks and still look great! Like anything there will be people who like them and people who don't ..... :steering: [IMG][/IMG]
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 01:09 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (freaker)

Hedman headers suck. On here it looks to me like the good to bad ratio is about 50/50. You wanna spend you money on something that 1 out of 2 people have hated?

I used some on an LT1 awhile back and they sucked big time. The flange holes were misaligned, they were a bitch to install, and they have 4 gaskets to leak instead of 2. Spend a little extra, get something else.
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 01:33 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (neat)

...Spend a little extra, get something else.
I'm doing just that :cheers:
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 02:03 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (bradvette)

I've got a set on my LT1. The third set of Hedman's that I've owned and haven't had a problem with any of them.
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 02:58 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (bradvette)

I have coated Hedmans; some quality problems when purchased(Summit) but the factory corrected them. My only complaint now, is PITA plug changes from the bottom. BTW, they've been on for 2 yrs with no problems yet.

:chevy
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 02:59 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (1_piece_at_a_time)

I have hedman headers...I had them ceramic coated inside & out. Its been 2 years & no problems! :thumbs:
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Old Nov 10, 2003 | 03:10 PM
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Default Re: Hedman Headers - Are These Bad? (yoslambo1@cs.com)

How about plug clearance and issues?
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